Driving Excellence In Industrial Refrigeration Systems

Mark Clay is an accomplished industrial refrigeration and maintenance leader with deep expertise in ammonia systems, mechanical integrity and HAZMAT operations. He currently serves as the maintenance manager at Tyson Foods, where he leads refrigeration, HVAC and safety programs to drive operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Mark Clay brings a proven track record in industrial systems and environmental compliance to his role as maintenance manager at Tyson Foods in Seguin, Texas. With over a decade of experience at the company, Clay has led various teams in ammonia refrigeration, HVAC and process safety management (PSM). His deep technical knowledge and unparalleled leadership have helped Tyson Foods maintain efficient, safe and environmentally responsible operations across its food processing infrastructure.

Clay’s journey into industrial refrigeration began with a solid academic foundation. He earned his associate of science degree in agriculture from Blinn College, where he developed a strong understanding of resource conservation and operational integrity. This educational background laid the groundwork for his advanced focus on refrigeration systems and industrial maintenance, areas deeply connected to sustainable food production and environmental impact.

He joined Tyson Foods in 2015 as a production supervisor, managing a department with more than 60 team members dedicated to processing and preparing protein products for distribution. In this role, Clay proved his ability to manage high-volume operations while prioritizing food safety, product quality and team performance.

In 2016, he was promoted to shipping supervisor, where he managed logistics, warehouse operations and inventory systems with a team of eight management support professionals. Clay gained strong command over SAP systems, inventory control and logistics, further strengthening his systems-based approach to operational management.

2019 was a turning point in his career when he became the general manager of refrigeration. He continued in this position for over six years, taking responsibility for Tyson’s ammonia refrigeration department, HAZMAT team and PSM programs. Leading a team of eight refrigeration operators and a PSM coordinator, he orchestrated end-to-end refrigeration operations, ensuring safety, reliability and compliance across complex systems.

Clay’s focus on mechanical integrity and energy conservation led to significant cost-reduction and sustainability initiatives. He initiated water and energy conservation projects that saved millions of gallons of water and minimized the company’s environmental impacts, which made him a finalist for the Texas Environmental Excellence Award in 2023.

Over the years, Clay has earned numerous specialized certifications that reinforce his expertise in refrigeration, safety and mechanical systems. He is a certified industrial refrigeration operator accredited by the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association. He holds both ammonia operator I and II certifications, making him a trusted expert in managing industrial ammonia systems.

He also completed certifications for HAZMAT Incident Commander and HAZMAT Train-the-Trainer, ensuring his team is well-prepared for emergency response and hazardous materials handling. In 2023, he further expanded his expertise with a mechanical integrity certificate from The International Institute of All-Natural Refrigeration.

Today, in his new role as maintenance manager, Clay continues to influence broader operations at Tyson Foods. He brings the same precision and purpose to maintenance management that he applied to refrigeration systems, ensuring facility integrity, operational continuity and regulatory compliance. His day-to-day work includes budgeting, emergency repairs and renovation that require a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on leadership.

Clay’s career is a testament to his passion for leadership and environmental responsibility. He remains committed to advancing safety, efficiency and innovation in industrial refrigeration.